Mandela remains in critical condition, placed on life support

Hospitalized since June 8 in Pretoria, South Africa, the legendary leader who helped end apartheid in that country has been suffering from a recurring lung infection.

According to CNN, close family members including Winnie Mandela visited the hospital early Wednesday.

"We'll continue soldiering on until we achieve his goals which is what Mandela wants us to do as he lies in hospital in Pretoria after dedicating his entire adult life to the betterment of the lives of all especially the poor and the working class," said South African President Jacob Zuma.

Mandiba is Mandela's tribal name.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for speaking out against apartheid, the segregation practice in force for decades in South Africa, before being released in 1990.

Mandela served a single term as the first freely elected president from 1994 to 1999, and then retired from public life.

His most recent public appearance was made during the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament, held in South Africa.